For all Americans, but especially the employees and owners of small businesses and those who are self-employed, strengthening Social Security will be paramount to continued economic prosperity. The Social Security system has served our citizens well for many years. It is, as President Bush has said, one of our country’s “great moral successes.” But we… Continue Reading Social Security reform good for small business

We have long touted the prospect of advanced manufacturing being important in the United States and around the world. There is a quiet revolution going on in the steel industry, a leading-edge process for making steel holds the promise of eliminating shortages and providing steel where and when we need it. This quiet revolution was… Continue Reading Herman Trend Alert: The promise of advanced manufacturing

Editor’s note: In December, the University of Denver announced the formation of the Colorado Economic Futures Panel to analyze the state’s fiscal situation and provide a platform for informed discussion and possible solutions. Sixteen business and civic leaders from across the state comprise the panel, including Dick Celeste, president of Colorado College. This is part… Continue Reading The funding of higher education

I got a call earlier this week with some disappointing news. The board of the Springs Youth Challenge has decided that finding funding for the program is too big a mountain to climb; thus, they are ceasing operations. “Our community has a number of worthwhile causes and, unfortunately, the existing financial support does not always… Continue Reading A sad time for Springs Youth Challenge

When our founding fathers declared that government’s authority comes from “the people,” they charted a radical departure from the presumption of authority that established kings and rulers almost everywhere else in the civilized world. Elsewhere, monarchs were considered to be divine descendents of God, unlike the commonfolk over whom they wielded the sword. Even in… Continue Reading CAPITOL REVIEW: Consent of the governed

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford If you’re looking for a unique and fun way to develop teamwork and hone your team building skills, consider entering a team or two in the Boys & Girls Club’s Third Annual PeakCO All-Star Challenge. The event, which is… Continue Reading Challenge offers opportunity to build for today, tomorrow

As the labor market continues to tighten, employers will intensify their competitive search for qualified workers. They will seek competent, experienced, dependable people with a strong work ethic and proven ability to take care of business. Employers will be eager to hire skilled workers who understand the true meaning of customer service, who can communicate… Continue Reading Herman Trend Alert:

For several decades, the City Code made it the responsibility of property owners to maintain, repair and reconstruct broken sidewalks, curbs and gutters abutting their property. The goal was to have the property owners absorb these costs, rather than placing the burden on the city’s general fund. This has helped to minimize property tax levels… Continue Reading City takes over responsibility for curb, gutter and sidewalks

Voters will be asked Tuesday to decide whether the City Charter should be amended to prevent planning, building, funding or financing a convention center without prior approval by the electorate. On its face, Issue 200 seems fairly reasonable. Too many politicians for too long took too many liberties with and squandered taxpayers’ dollars, so seeking… Continue Reading Issue 200 just doesn't make sense

Editor’s note: In December, the University of Denver announced the formation of the Colorado Economic Futures Panel to analyze the state’s fiscal situation and provide a platform for informed discussion and possible solutions. Sixteen business and civic leaders from across the state comprise the panel, including Dick Celeste, president of Colorado College. This is part… Continue Reading Paying for Transportation